October 15, 2002 Tuesday

SECTION: BOOK REVIEWS; Social Sciences; Pg. 87

LENGTH: 220 words

HEADLINE: Women for Afghan Women; Shattering Myths and Claiming the Future

BYLINE: Deborah Bigelow

BODY:
.Palgrave: St. Martin's. Oct. 2002. c.272p. ed. by Sunita Mehta. photogs.
bibliog. ISBN 1-4039-6052-6. $45; pap. ISBN 1-4039-6017-8. $13.95. SOC
SCI/PRODUCTCATEGORY

In the past year, many books have been compiled to address Americans' general unawareness of Afghanistan and the plight of its people. This one covers that vacuum by telling the story of Afghan women through their own voices.

Cofounder of the human rights group Women for Afghan Women and director of grants at the Sister Fund in New York City, Mehta has compiled essays from a wide variety of women, both Afghan (Sima Wali, Saira Shah) and American (Gloria Steinem, Angela King), who are active in human rights and have personal experiences in Afghanistan.

This collection traces the history of Afghan women's rights and roles through the latter decades of the last century. Several essays delve into the respected role of women in the Muslim faith; others discuss the ramifications of the Soviet invasion and Taliban rule. The book concludes with essays on solutions for the future and reasons for hope.

This particularly well-written, readable work provides timely insights and information about the people of Afghanistan and the faith of Islam. Recommended in addition to basic sources about the region.

- Deborah Bigelow, Leonia P.L., NJ